More than four in ten young adults say cost stands in the way of looking after their mental health, as new research reveals a growing affordability barrier across Ireland.
Mental Health Ireland’s annual survey found that 44% of people aged 25 to 34 identified cost as an obstacle, compared with 12% of those aged 65 and over.
Across all age groups, almost a third (31%) cited cost as a barrier, up from 26% in 2025. Affordable support was also the most common factor people said would make it easier to ask for help, identified by 44% of respondents.
The findings come during Mental Health Month in October, ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Mental Health Ireland is marking its 60th anniversary with free webinars, training and community events.
The research also highlights a particular challenge for Dubliners in finding time to get outdoors.
While 23% of respondents nationally said a lack of time prevented them from spending time in nature to improve their mental health, the figure rose to 29% in Dublin.
Overall, 17% identified safety as a barrier to spending time in nature, with women more likely than men to raise this concern.
Money management emerged as the most commonly reported source of stress, cited by 66%, followed by health and wellbeing at 64% and work-related stress at 50%.
Spending time with friends and family was the leading activity people regularly used to manage stress, at 58%, followed closely by exercise at 57.5%.
However, the proportion regularly spending time in nature fell from 44.1% in 2025 to 41% in 2026. Regular use of mindfulness also declined, from 20.6% to 17.9%, while therapy remained at 11.6%.
Dr Lisa Cuthbert, CEO of Mental Health Ireland, said the findings showed people were already taking practical steps to support their wellbeing, but faced obstacles.
“Cost matters, especially for younger people, and time matters,” she said.
Although 81% reported being open to talking about their own mental health, the survey identified uncertainty about helping others.
One in three respondents feared they would make things worse by trying to support somebody else, while 28% lacked confidence that they could make a difference.
The most common obstacle was uncertainty about whether the other person wanted help, cited by 35%. Almost a quarter (23%) felt insufficiently informed about mental health, while 19% were unfamiliar with signs that someone needed support.
Younger respondents were also less likely to describe themselves as “very open” to discussing mental health. Just 39% of 18 to 24-year-olds chose this response, compared with 63% of those aged 55 to 64.
“That lack of confidence can stop a conversation before it even starts,” Dr Cuthbert said.
“You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference.”
The charity is encouraging people to learn how to start conversations, listen and direct someone towards further support when needed.
Its national Hello, How Are You? campaign encourages people to ask meaningfully about someone’s wellbeing and listen to the response. It is scheduled to return on May 15, 2027.
Throughout October, free webinars will cover topics including teenage mental health, coping with overwhelming news and world events, nature and wellbeing, and mental health in a 24-hour workplace.
Mental Health Ireland is also promoting its two-day Taking Action for Whole Health & Wellbeing Programme.
The community-based programme helps participants develop a personalised wellbeing plan, covering coping strategies, recognising triggers and early warning signs, building support networks and preparing for challenging times.